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Review
. 2016 Jun;31(3):339-51.
doi: 10.1007/s00455-016-9710-1. Epub 2016 Apr 20.

Pathophysiology of Radiation-Induced Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer

Suzanne N King  1 , Neal E Dunlap  2 , Paul A Tennant  3 , Teresa Pitts  4
Affiliations
Review

Pathophysiology of Radiation-Induced Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer

Suzanne N King et al. Dysphagia. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Oncologic treatments, such as curative radiotherapy and chemoradiation, for head and neck cancer can cause long-term swallowing impairments (dysphagia) that negatively impact quality of life. Radiation-induced dysphagia comprised a broad spectrum of structural, mechanical, and neurologic deficits. An understanding of the biomolecular effects of radiation on the time course of wound healing and underlying morphological tissue responses that precede radiation damage will improve options available for dysphagia treatment. The goal of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of radiation-induced injury and elucidate areas that need further exploration.

Keywords: Cancer; Deglutition; Deglutition disorders; Fibrosis; Pharynx; Radiation; Swallow.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Temporal classifications of radiation-induced injury in head and neck as described in basic radiation, dysphagia rehabilitation, and clinical diagnostic literature. Research findings are complicated by wide-range of terminologies used to describe stages of radiation injury. A more precise classification is necessary to prevent ambiguity and provoke different treatments for each specific injury classification.
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